SPAULDING HIGH SCHOOL & BARRE TECHNICAL CENTER CAMPUS

1. Call to Order

The Vice Chairperson, Guy Isabelle, called the Monday, October 15, 2007, meeting to order at 5:05 p.m., which was held in the SHS & BTC Campus Library, 155 Ayers Street, Barre, Vermont.

Ms. Taylor arrived during the executive session.

2. Executive Session – Students A, B, and C - Disciplinary Expulsion Hearing

At 5:05 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Prevost seconded by Mr. Santorello, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss student matters.

Dr. Conley, Ms. Donlon, Mr. Phillips, Ms. Chamberlin, students and parents were invited into the executive session.

At 6:25 p.m. the Board exited executive session.

3. Visitors and Communications

Dan Martin appeared before the Board and expressed his concern, and in his opinion, inconsistencies of the student athlete eligibility policy and other the student policies. He observed that there seemed to be a lack of remedial measures available to students that do not meet the academic requirements vs. the provisions in place once a student becomes a member of a team. He said his interpretation was that the remedial standard for keeping students on the teams appeared to differ from those standards for students that struggle academically and are therefore prevented from initially making the teams. He asked the Policy and Curriculum Committee to review the policies. He also offered to provide recommendations to the Chair for policy amendment consideration.

Ms. Taylor reminded the Board and community of the newly adopted second Board meeting per month schedule, which would share the P & C meeting timeslot on the third Monday, monthly. She asked previously interested ad-hoc community members to attend and for their continue participation in the P & C maters, and also encouraged and invited other interested community members to join any of the other standing Board associated committees.

Ms. Taylor introduced and welcomed Joe Maiola, who was appointed to serve as the interim Board member until March 2008 elections.

Mrs. Conti announced that the SHS & BTC would be hosting their second Raven’s Semi-Pro football game against UVM’s newly formed Club Team, on Sunday, October 21, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. She said the game would be dedicated to the memory of Harry Daniels, past Barre City Elementary Board member and City Councilor, who was a major supporter of the athletic field improvements.

Mrs. Conti also invited community members to vote through the end of November in support of the SHAAC’s effort to bring lights to the A. G. Pendo field. She said one vote per e-mail address was permitted at the Friday Night Lights contest at www.newfridaynightlights.com and requested community members solicit votes from friends and families throughout the country in support of the effort.

4. Guest Report

A. Math Department Head Presentation

Jon Pandolfo appeared before the Board and provided a PowerPoint presentation to discuss the math program. He said currently 12 teachers (including himself as Department Chair) were offering a total of 19 courses, which were equivalent to 70 section-blocks per year. He reported the majority of freshman and sophomore students spend significant amounts of their time in math courses, and that participation expectedly dropped off in the upper grades. Among the discussion items and information covered in the presentation were department accomplishments, changes, challenges, and facility needs.

5. Items for Board Action

A. First Reading of Security Policy

The Board discussed including language to permit appropriate access to viewing of the surveillance tapes by law enforcement. Dr. Conley provided sample language.

On a motion by Mr. Isabelle seconded by Mrs. Conti, the Board unanimously voted to approve the First Reading of Security Policy, as discussed and amended.

The Board requested the Administration to hold an assembly as timely as possible to explain the security system, issues, and policy.

B. Combine Honors and AP Chemistry

Jamie Coleman appeared before the Board to discuss the proposal.

Discussion ensued and Ms. Donlon assured the Board that the Campus’ Scheduling and Curriculum & Instruction Committees were reviewing the proposal to help facilitate its success. The Board was also advised that the results of a TA study were being compiled with input form the faculty and students to be included and would also serve as information for the proposal’s implementation. The administrators agreed to provide a report by December.

On a motion by Mrs. Conti seconded by Mr. Isabelle, the Board unanimously voted to support the combining of the honors and AP chemistry classes for FY ’09, contingent upon resolution of any time management issues.

The Board thanked and praised Mr. Coleman for “thinking outside the box”, and for bringing the cost effective proposal to the Board.

C. Marine Biology Course

Bryan Hirschman appeared before the Board to discuss the proposal to bring the course back to the SHS & BTC Campus. He explained that course would be offered as an elective within the current schedule, and for upper classmen only.

On a motion by Mrs. Conti seconded by Dr. Pizzo, the Board unanimously voted to approve implementation of an elective marine biology course beginning in FY ’09.

D. First Reading of Wellness Policy

The Board discussed and agreed section III B should be removed.

On a motion by Mrs. Conti seconded by Mr. Prevost, the Board unanimously voted to approve the First Reading of Wellness Policy, as discussed and amended.

6. Items for Information and Discussion

A. Use of Facilities

The Board agreed to postpone discussion to the next meeting.

7. Other Business

The Student Representatives asked for clarification of the “hat rule”, to which it was explained the rule was a matter of respect, for the flag which flies above the building, the school, an institution and the people within it.

The Board agreed that hats would be permitted under special circumstances, if approved in advance by the administration, for events such as “spirit week”, etc.

The Student Representatives asked for clarification of their non-voting status, to which Dr. Conley replied pursuant to state statute that under Supervisory Union regulation Board members require election by the voters and shall proportionately represent the student population of the communities within the district. He advised that in the absence of a change to the state law voting by the student representatives would be prohibited.

The Chair agreed to be more mindful of the Student Rep role and service to the Board, and would seek their public comments prior to a vote on matters of concern before the Board.

Mr. Maiola asked the Superintendent to research the existence of a policy from 1988-89 with respect to minimum class sizes for AP courses.

8. Executive Session

A. Student D - Disciplinary Expulsion Hearing

At 8:55 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Isabelle seconded by Mrs. Conti, the Board unanimously voted to enter into executive session, pursuant to Title 1 § 313, to discuss student matters.

Dr. Conley, Ms. Donlon, and Mr. Phillips were invited into the executive session.

At 9:04 p.m. the Board exited executive session.

On a motion by Mrs. Conti seconded by Mr. Prevost, the Board unanimously voted to expel Student D for the remainder of the school year.

9. Adjournment

On a motion by Mr. Santorello seconded by Dr. Pizzo, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:05 p.m.

Next meeting Date:

Meetings are regularly scheduled for the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted. The first meeting is planned as a business meeting; the second meeting is planned as a working/discussion meeting.

The next regular business meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 5, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

The next planning/discussion meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 19, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna Holden

John Pizzo, Representing Barre Town, term expires 2010

Meredith Grubb – Class of ’09, SHS/BTC Non-voting Student Representative